Effective January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has relaxed the health insurance requirements for super visa applicants. Under the new policy, applicants can now purchase health insurance from international providers, expanding the options available to them.
This change makes the super visa process more accessible, offering a significant step toward inclusivity in Canada’s immigration policies. By reducing the financial burden on families, it helps simplify the application process and fosters greater family unity.
What is a Super Visa?
The super visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for extended periods—up to five years per visit, with the possibility of further extensions. This visa facilitates maintaining strong family bonds across borders, offering multiple entries valid for up to ten years.
New Health Insurance Requirement
With this policy change, super visa applicants now have the flexibility to obtain health insurance from foreign providers, as long as the insurance company is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance.
However, visa holders are reminded that their insurance must remain valid throughout their stay in Canada. If their policy is nearing expiration, they must either renew it or ensure continuous coverage, which is now easier to manage from their home countries.
This change not only addresses health insurance but also represents a broader shift towards more inclusive immigration policies that prioritize family reunification and make the process less cumbersome.
Eligibility for a Super Visa
To apply for a super visa, the applicant must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Below are the eligibility criteria:
Applicants:
- Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Host/Sponsor Requirements:
- The host must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act, and at least 18 years old.
- The host must meet the minimum necessary income requirement based on family size, as per Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).
- The host must provide a written undertaking to financially support the applicant during their stay in Canada.
Additional Requirements:
- The applicant must apply for the super visa from outside Canada and have their visa processed by a Canadian visa office abroad.
- The applicant must be admissible to Canada, which includes passing an immigration medical exam.
- Applicants must have valid Canadian private medical insurance for at least one year from the date of entry, either from a Canadian insurer or an approved foreign insurance provider.
This recent change marks a milestone in Canada’s immigration policies, making it easier for families to stay connected and reducing the bureaucratic hurdles associated with obtaining a super visa.
Super Visa Processing Times
Here are the latest IRCC processing times for Canada’s super visa, which may vary based on the applicant’s location:
- India: 125 days (up by 1 day)
- United States: 249 days (up by 35 days)
- Nigeria: 48 days (up by 3 days)
- Pakistan: 75 days (up by 9 days)
- Philippines: 133 days (up by 4 days)
This update to the super visa policy makes the path to family reunification smoother, more inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs of global families. The future of super visa applications looks a little brighter, a lot more accessible, and more in tune with the needs of families worldwide.
Book a consultation today to receive personalized advice and keep your application on track. Our experts are here to help you understand the latest requirements and provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. Book Your Consultation Now!
